Niramaya: tranquility in the tropics

A sanctuary of soothing energy, Niramaya Villas & Spa – located between the two World Heritage sites of the ancient Daintree rainforest and the epic Great Barrier Reef – is undoubtedly worthy of a stop on any ‘Big Lap’ of Australia.

A light fragrance of frangipani floats on the breeze. Tranquil sounds of water trickle into the courtyard of your private villa, with views of swaying palm trees, lilypad-dotted lakes and lush greenery stretching out over the resort’s 15 hectares. You’ve made it all the way to Niramaya Villas & Spa in Port Douglas, in Australia’s Tropical North, as you road trip around this beautiful country – and it’s time for a little respite.

Cool off with a cocktail in hand in Niramaya’s 30-metre infinity-edge pool.

Inspired by Bali

With style cues taken from breezy Bali, each self-contained villa at Niramaya is thoughtfully designed using sandstone, limestone and timber to complement the natural setting. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open fully to tropical gardens, bringing the outdoors in, while liveable open private courtyards and alfresco pavilions blur the lines between inside and out. A strong modern aesthetic works to bring all the elements of the space together, creating a suite of private sanctuaries in an open tropical oasis.

Choose from a range of accommodation styles – from a one-bedroom couple’s retreat, to a two-bedroom villa, up to the opulent double-fronted villa complete with five bedrooms, four bathrooms and a private 12-metre pool perfect for a family escape. All are fitted with a large gourmet kitchen featuring state-of-the-art appliances, king-sized beds, an outdoor barbecue, a plunge pool (up to the four-bedroom deluxe and five-bedroom villas, which both have private 12-metre pools instead), a tropical outdoor shower and spacious entertainment areas.

Upgrade to a 12-metre pool in the 4-bedroom Deluxe Villa.

Fifteen hectares of heaven

While Niramaya’s villas are designed so that you have few reasons to leave, the resort’s facilities are equally as tantalising. Balinese-inspired daybeds surround a 30-metre infinity-edge pool, perfect for cooling off with a cocktail in hand or immersing yourself in the pages of a good book, while the Niramaya Day Spa offers even more opportunities to relax.

Indulge in a comforting massage or facial in the privacy of your very own villa, or choose from a range of pampering beauty, soothing massage and healing treatments in the day spa’s truly tranquil rainforest setting. Here you can let go, forget about the world and relax in the safe hands of the highly skilled therapists and practitioners, delivering specialised treatments using a premium range of products.

Each Niramaya villa comes with it’s very own plunge pool.

Other resort features include a fully equipped gym with views of the tropical gardens, a sauna, a tennis court and bike hire if you wanted to ride into nearby Port Douglas.

Guests can also enjoy premier dining right on their doorstep at Chapter One Restaurant – Port Douglas’ only hatted restaurant. With its spectacular poolside setting and contemporary menu that showcases the best of the region’s fresh produce, you can expect an intimate and relaxed dining experience.

The perfect setting

A short stroll from Niramaya will take you to the coconut-fringed sands of Four Mile Beach, ideal for a morning walk to see the sun rise over the soft waves crashing onshore. Further north and just a five-minute drive from the property is the main street of Port Douglas; Macrossan Street is unpretentious and understated, yet thriving with busy restaurants, vibrant nightlife and boutique stores.

There aren’t many reasons to leave Niramaya with palm-tree-dotted gardens stretching 15 hectares.

Consistently warm, both in climate and character, Port Douglas offers some of Australia’s best experiences. Whether that be foodie experiences, reef fishing, diving, adrenalin sports, hiking, swimming in natural waters found in the forest or lazing about in the fine sands of a tropical beach, there is truly something for everyone. It also boasts one of Australia’s finest coastal drives, connecting Port Douglas with Cairns International Airport – a 50-minute drive where the ocean meets the lavish rainforest.

A stay at Port Douglas’ Niramaya Villas & Spa is the ideal location for a Big Lap pit stop – whether you’re on the road with close friends, on a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family holiday. When it feels like Bali, but comes with easygoing friendly Australian charm (and it’s just a short flight away from all the main cities in the country), Port Douglas is a must-do on your Big Lap of Australia.

Book your stay in a one-bedroom villa with private plunge pool for $1999. Includes daily breakfast for two and a $25 Niramaya Day Spa voucher per person.